Michael Boyd Ray

Angier– Michael Boyd Ray, 68, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Monday after a courageous year-long battle with ALS. Michael was born on October 10, 1953, to Lathie Bailey Ray and the late Lemuel Boyd Ray in Durham, NC. He loved his family deeply and cherished every moment spent with them. Anything his children and grandchildren were involved in, that’s where you’d find him. He and Jane spent countless hours on ball fields, watching dance and church performances and ferrying the kids from one activity to the next. Michael relished time spent at Topsail Island with his family and dinners with dear friends that were like family. Michael spent the last 20 years of his career working with towns and shopping centers to create Christmas displays for the community to enjoy. “The Christmas Guy” was loved by many and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 17th at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 402 N. Main St. Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526. The family will be available for visitation immediately following the service in the fellowship hall. In addition to his mother, Michael is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Jane Odom Ray; daughter, Sarah Ray of Cary; son, Will Ray (Ashlee) of Angier; grandchildren, Harper Grace, and Henry Boyd “Hank” Ray of Angier. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Transitions LifeCare in Raleigh for their loving care of Michael in his final days. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for the youth program at First United Methodist Church of Fuquay-Varina at PO Box 126, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526, or to the North Carolina Chapter of the ALS Association at 4 North Blount St., Unit 200, Raleigh, NC 27601.